ur ago or less, we looked back, and at first saw nothing. Then
over the white brow of a rolling down that shone in the level
sunlight came a black speck that grew and lengthened, sliding, as
it were, like a snake down the hillside. And that line sparkled
like ice in the sunlight from end to end; for it was the Danish
host on the march, and in two hours they would be where we stood,
and in two more they who were mounted would be in Chippenham
streets, where Alfred had not enough men even to guard the gates
against such a force as was coming.

Then we rode hard for the lives of all who were in the town, and as
I went I thought also that we rode to the death of the brave,
honest jarl who was beside me, saying nothing, but never letting
his horse falter. Just as bravely rode Thora.

In an hour we were at the gates, and I rode straight to the king's
house, and sought him on urgent business.

Ethered of Mercia came out to me.

"What is it, Ranald?" he said. "The Witan is set now."

I told him in few words, and his face changed.

"It seems impossible in frost and snow," he said.

"Ay; but there are proofs," I said, pointing through the great
doorway.

There was my party, and Kolgrim was binding a wound on Harek's arm
of which I knew nought till that moment, and the led horses and
spoils were plain enough to say all.

Then Ethered made haste and took me to the great hall, where Alfred
sat with some thirty thanes of his Witan {xi}, and many clergy.
I knew they were to meet on some business that I had nought to do
with. Ethered went to the king without any ceremony, and speaking
low told him my message. Whereon the king's face grew white and
then red, and he flashed out into terrible wrath:

"Forsworn and treacherous!" he cried, in a thick voice that shook
with passion. "The hostages--chain them and bring them here. Their
friends shall find somewhat waiting them here that shall make them
wish they had kept their oaths!"

Then he said to me:

"Speak out, Ranald, and tell these thanes your news."

I spoke plainly, and they listened with whitening faces and
muttered oaths. And when I ceased, one cried, hardly knowing what
he said, as I think:

"This outlander rode with Osmund the Dane to bring them on us even
now."

"Silence!" Alfred said; and then in a cold voice he asked me:

"Where is this Osmund? I suppose he has fled to his people."

"That he has not, though he could have done so," I answered.
"Moreover,